WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

Horrific Christian persecution happening in India.

What are anti-conversion laws?

Do twelve of India’s 28 states have strict anti-conversion laws?

India wants a ‘pure’ nation – sounds like Germany under Hitler.

On a lighter note: Amy Pierson with Focus on the Family: Making summer fun!

Dr. David Capes subbing for Mark Lanier. Listen in: Friendship.

From the Pulpit at Champion Forest Baptist Church:
PASTOR KAL KILGO: Growing in Steadfastness – Spiritual Stamina

Closing today’s program in prayer:
Father God!
We are your children, born again, filled with the Holy Spirit, living for your precious Son, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for the free gift of eternal life.
Though I walk through a dark valley today, I will praise your Holy Name…

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN INDIA

Discussed by Jeff King
with International Christian Concern (www.persecution.org/news/)

Today, Jeff King discusses the persecution of Christians happening daily in India.

Jeff is one of the world’s leading experts on religious persecution, speaking boldly and honestly about the struggles of those persecuted for their faith and the growing hatred of Christians in the West. Jeff is the President of International Christian Concern.

Click here to read more about the horrific Christian persecution happening in India.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What are anti-conversion laws?

Do twelve of India’s 28 states have strict anti-conversion laws?

Why do many Hindu leaders feel so threatened by Christianity?

Has Prime Minister Modi stated he wants India to become a pure nation of only Hindu’s? Jeff King explains who Modi is, his radical political beliefs, and his silence when Christians are persecuted against.

Have these anti-conversion laws encouraged Hindu nationalism, legal repression, and mob violence?

Are there still millions of “untouchables” in India? Jeff King explains what an “untouchable” is and why leaders have no motivation to help them.

Are Christians “really” forcibly-converting Hindus in India, as PM Mondi claims?

How can Christians help fellow believers who live in India?

Should the American government help Christians living in India?

Click here to help support International Christian Concern.

MAKE SUMMER FUN!

Discussed by Amy Pierson
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

As summer kicks into full swing, many parents are looking for more than just screen-free activities. They are craving meaningful, memorable ways to connect with their kids.

Today, Amy Pierson gives some great tips and advice for parents and grandparents who want to connect more deeply with their children and grandchildren. Amy is an author and parenting associate with Focus on the Family.

Click the links below for fun summer activities for families:
Summer Adventure Kits
20 Family Activities for Summer Fun
Summer Plan Podcast with Lisa Anderson and The Boundless Show

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How can parents connect with their adult children and grandchildren? Amy Pierson mentions Danny Huerta’s book: “Seven Traits of Effective Parenting”.

We all know that one-on-one time is necessary for the parent/child relationship. Can grandparents also benefit from quality one-on-one time with their grandkids?

Many families take long road trips during the summer. How can parents make the drive more fun?

Can hotels and hotel rooms be fun, too?

What are some other ways parents and grandparents can stay close to their children and grandchildren

Click here to help support Focus on the Family.
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FRIENDSHIP

Discussed by Dr. David Capes
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Day 2

Mark Lanier is taking a much-needed summer vacation and various friends of his and pastors from CFBC will be filling in teaching on the book of Philippians.

This week, Dr. Capes is first up in the rotation, teaching on the value and importance of friendship.

Dr. David Capes is the Director for Academic Programs at the Lanier Theological Library.

To view Dr. David Capes’ video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

THE PHILIPPIANS CHURCH:
How big was the church?
Where did they meet?
Who were the members of the church?
When did the church probably start? (Acts 16:11-13) Dr. David Capes explains who the author of Acts was and why the difference in the language is important to note.
How big was the city of Philippi?
According to Jewish law, how many men must be present and members of the church to become a synagogue?
Who was Lydia? How was she connected to the Church in Philippi? (Acts 16:14-15)



PAUL’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH:
What was Paul’s Second Missionary Journey?
Why did Paul travel to Philippi?
Was the church in Philippi very supportive of Paul’s missionary work?
Why did the people have a special place in Paul’s heart?


SIDE NOTE: Why is friendship so important, especially in the life of a believer?


For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

GROWING IN STEADFASTNESS: SPIRITUAL STAMINA

Discussed by Pastor Kal Kilgo
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 2

When we face trials and difficulties and don’t know what to do or how we will make it through, simply and exclusively look to Jesus. – Pastor Kal Kilgo

In a world that constantly pulls us in every direction, God calls us to grow in Christ one step at a time. In this 7-week series, the pastors at CFBC will walk through the powerful progression found in 2 Peter 1:5–7, where Christians are called to “make every effort” to add to their faith: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about spiritual formation and partnering with God to become the person He is calling you to be.

This week, Pastor Kal Kilgo preaches on spiritual stamina – or steadfastness.

Pastor Kal is the College and Young Single Adult Pastor at CFBC.

Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 1:5-7

Find Pastor Kal Kilgo’s sermon here.

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon notes here.

If you have questions about a sermon, please contact Champion Forest at questions@cfbc.org


QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

A STEADFAST FAITH: Remains Under Pressure

How can we face hardships in life? I’ll give you three guesses which song from the 1980s Pastor Kal Kilgo uses as an example and the first two guesses don’t count… : )

Do Christians share a special bond with God? Can this bond help us when we face struggles?


A STEADFAST FAITH: Spiritual Staying Power

How does steadfastness help us stand firm when everything else is changing?

Is it important for believers to show grace to others? Can spiritual steadfastness help us to help others? (Psalm 57:1; Psalm 91:14-16)


If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, text the word JESUS to 77069 and a pastor or counselor from CFBC will call you back.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church, click here.

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Father God!

We are your children, born again, filled with the Holy Spirit, living for your precious Son, Jesus Christ.

Thank you for the free gift of eternal life.

Though I walk through a dark valley today, I will praise your Holy Name.

When I walk on the mountain top, as close to heaven that I can get here on earth, I will continue to praise your Holy Name.

I choose to flee from the devil’s temptations. I will study your precepts, hiding them in my heart, and allowing them to help guide my steps.

Use me this day, Father God. May I be willing to say yes to your will.

May I pick up my cross and follow your blessed son, Jesus Christ, for it is in His name this prayer is lifted to your throne room,

Amen